Senior Scientist - Conjugate

This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non‑departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition, or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist – Conjugate to join our Research and Development Function within the Scientific Research and Innovation group.

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) enhances and improves the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research. The Scientific Research and Innovation (SR&I) Group delivers public health impact, world‑leading research innovation and a unique regulatory proposition for patients and users via an ambitious Science Strategy.

What’s the role?

The primary purpose of the role is to support regulatory science research programmes relating to encapsulated bacteria and polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. The post holder will manage one or more laboratory projects and support delivery of projects managed by other team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Management of the laboratory, documentation (including health and safety documentation) and analytical equipment, and ensure stocks of reagents and consumables are maintained.
• Accountable to the Head of Polysaccharide and Conjugate Vaccines, provide analytical and scientific expertise for the regulatory science research programme, including assay development, characterisation and evaluation of new antigens or vaccines.
• Analyse and interpret complex data sets, keep accurate records, and build evidence to inform design of future experiments; actively communicate findings through written reports, scientific publications and delivery of scientific presentations.
• Provide analytical and scientific advice relating to the control and standardisation of polysaccharide conjugate vaccines and vaccines against disease caused by encapsulated bacteria to colleagues in the Agency and provide laboratory supervision or training to colleagues or visiting scientists as appropriate.

Who are we looking for?

• Experience of working in a regulatory science organisation in the field of bacterial vaccines, including experience of working with conjugate vaccines.
• Knowledge and practical experience of using animal models to evaluate vaccine potency, immunogenicity or safety is desirable.
• Strong analytical and data management skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• The ability to encourage joined‑up team work within own team and across other groups; establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.

Person Specification

Method of assessment: A = Application, I = Interview.

Behaviour Criteria

• Working Together (A, I)
• Communicating and Influencing (A, I)

Experience Criteria

• Experience of working in a regulatory science organisation in the field of bacterial vaccines, including experience of working with conjugate vaccines (A, I).
• Experience of working with external stakeholders and managing complex projects to successful completion (A, I).
• Experience of working under the ISO 17025 quality management system (A, I).
• Knowledge and practical experience of using animal models to evaluate vaccine potency, immunogenicity or safety is desirable (A, I).

Technical Criteria

• A BSc degree in a relevant discipline with evidence of publishing scientific research in peer‑reviewed journals, or equivalent experience (A, I).
• Good understanding of invasive bacterial infections and strategies for prevention (A, I).
• Strong analytical and data management skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Broad knowledge of vaccine development, regulation, standardisation and analytical methods used for their control – particularly in relation to polysaccharide conjugate vaccines and vaccines against diseases caused by encapsulated bacteria (A, I).

Strengths Criteria

• Team Player (I)
• Organiser (I)

Closing date 6th February 2026

Contact For enquiries or disability adjustments, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.